gondola
#3
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,652
Likes: 0
there always seems to be a surplus of gondolas beckoning folks in when i've been there. I guess if you want one at your canalside hotel then yes - otherwise just go to gondola centrale where dozens of them are corraled near San Marco.
#4
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,238
Likes: 0
No, never. They're to be found around most of the major bridges in Venice and on the San Marco waterfront of course (Riva degli Schiavoni) but you'll pay more on the waterfront and other areas in and around San Marco, then you will if you head to Ca d'Oro vaporetto stop in Cannaregio, and take a gondola ride from there-there's a nice gondoliere station on the bridge right as you get off the vaporetto at Ca d'Oro and hang a left on the Strada Nova-make sure to bargain with them, think of some reason they should give you a discount-the gondoliere are far more willing to bargain the further away from San Marco you go! Have fun-it's a great treat, especially after rush hour around 7:00-7:30pm!
Also, here are the official gondola tariffs for Venice on their English website (don't forget, you can still bargain downwards from these rates-they'll respect you if you do!)
www.gondolavenezia.it/history_tariffe.asp?Pag=43
Also, here are the official gondola tariffs for Venice on their English website (don't forget, you can still bargain downwards from these rates-they'll respect you if you do!)
www.gondolavenezia.it/history_tariffe.asp?Pag=43
#5
Original Poster
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Thank you very much for your help.
i found one web site
http://cityguide-europe.com/it/venice/tours/
Is this prices are good?
i found one web site
http://cityguide-europe.com/it/venice/tours/
Is this prices are good?
#6
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,238
Likes: 0
Wizkid, your website is for, I believe, a tour rate for the group gondola rides-which are perfectly nice-you get a gondoliere who serenades one or two gondola boats full of tourists (depending on the tourist traffic and season) so the rate is obviously lower than if you take a private gondola on your own.
The website I cited is the official gondoliere association website, linked to the Venice city hall website, as the city of Venice wants tourists to know what the official rates are, so they can know they are not being ripped off when they want to book a gondola on their own. (and most all the gondoliere speak some English, some are nearly fluent in the language).
However, a tour with serenade such as you found is a good deal, and looks to be quite enjoyable-I've passed those serenades many a night on the Grand Canal, and everyone looked and sounded as if they were enjoying themselves, so I'd say that would be a good alternative to the higher priced private gondola rides.
The website I cited is the official gondoliere association website, linked to the Venice city hall website, as the city of Venice wants tourists to know what the official rates are, so they can know they are not being ripped off when they want to book a gondola on their own. (and most all the gondoliere speak some English, some are nearly fluent in the language).
However, a tour with serenade such as you found is a good deal, and looks to be quite enjoyable-I've passed those serenades many a night on the Grand Canal, and everyone looked and sounded as if they were enjoying themselves, so I'd say that would be a good alternative to the higher priced private gondola rides.




